Bluetooth: v5.2 | ANC: No | Transparency mode: No | Customized EQ: Sure | Charging port: USB-C | Wi-fi charging: No | Water resistance: IPX2 | Multipoint connectivity: Sure (2 units) | Put on detection: Sure | Battery life (rated): 5 hrs, 6 hrs w/ wake phrase off, 20 hrs w/ case | Quick charging: 15 minutes = 2 hrs | Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX | Guarantee: 1 yr
All of our picks to this point are technically earphones, that means they lengthen into your ear canal. For some folks, that’s inherently uncomfortable. Sadly, the marketplace for respectable but reasonably priced “earbuds,” which relaxation on the concha as a substitute of going all the best way in your ear, is spotty. In the event you can’t convey your self to pay for a pair of AirPods, although, the Amazon Echo Buds are a worthy compromise at $50.
The plastic earpieces right here aren’t precisely premium, however they relaxation flippantly within the ear and really feel sturdily put collectively. They let in and leak noise extra simply than in-ear headphones, however if you happen to desire open earbuds, that’s extra of a characteristic than a bug. If the match doesn’t really feel proper, you possibly can shed somewhat bulk by eradicating the pre-installed silicone covers. (Like most open earbuds, although, consolation right here depends in your ear form.) Mic high quality is greater than ample, and the round contact panels give ample room for utilizing the controls, that are customizable and constantly responsive. Battery life sits round 5 hours, which is middling however not out of character for funds earbuds. The pocket-friendly case provides about three full fees, nevertheless it’s price noting that Amazon doesn’t embrace a USB-C charging cable. A poor IPX2 water resistance score means you need to keep away from the gymnasium with these, too.
Whereas the Echo Buds sound positive out of the field, I might use the EQ sliders within the Alexa app to convey down the treble a click on or two. By default, the highs are a bit too edgy. That stated, this emphasis lends a pleasant crispness to issues like vocals, cymbals and strings, and there’s sufficient separation to maintain advanced tracks from sounding completely muddled. The profile right here isn’t as full-bodied as the newest AirPods, and no open earbuds ship true sub-bass, however there’s a minimum of some rumble for hip-hop and EDM.
Not like many low cost earbuds, the Echo Buds assist auto-pausing and multi-device pairing. I typically needed to manually pause playback on one machine earlier than I may change to the opposite, however having the characteristic in any respect at this value is nice. Unsurprisingly, additionally they include Alexa baked in, which you’ll be able to entry hands-free. You handle the Echo Buds by the Alexa app, which is rather more cluttered than a devoted audio app however consists of extras like a misplaced machine tracker and sidetone management for telephone calls. And if you need nothing to do with Alexa, it additionally helps you to flip off the mics and wake-word assist.
